The Indiana Main Street program was established twenty-eight years ago to provide economic revitalization and professional assistance to participating communities. IMS encourages the renewal and restoration of downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns. As the traditional heart and hub of government, commerce, justice and social interaction, the downtown business district portrays a city's overall image. There are currently 115 Indiana Main Street Communities across the state.

“Viable downtowns are crucial to the economic health of our state. Through effective partnerships with Indiana Main Street, communities all across Indiana are coming together to help revitalize their downtowns,” said Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann.

Since the fall of 2012, Downtown La Porte has conducted the following downtown focused events: Taste of La Porte, Saturdays in the Sun, Downtown Hoe Down, and the Downtown Wine and Brew Walk. To promote downtown La Porte, the group also uses social media and produced a brochure showcasing downtown shopping as well as created a list of available downtown properties for potential investors.

In augmenting their effort, Downtown La Porte also worked with the Urban Enterprise Association to create a Retail Incentive Grant and developed a general business recruitment package in order to encourage new businesses to consider downtown.

The Indiana Main Street program is administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs was created by legislation in 2005, making rural Indiana a major focus for the first time. For additional information on OCRA and its programs visit www.in.gov/ocra.

For updates from the Lt. Governor and the agencies she oversees, please visit www.in.gov/lgov.

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